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Zenkoji Temple

Tourist sight
★ 4.9 (50+ reviews) • 1K+ booked
Immerse yourself in the rich history and spiritual significance of Zenkoji Temple Nagano, a 1400-year-old pilgrimage shrine nestled in the picturesque valley of Nagano city. Explore the hidden treasures, ancient serenity, and mystical world of this iconic temple, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural immersion.
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４９１-イ, Motoyoshichō Nagano, 380-0851, Japan

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Why people love Zenkoji Temple

4.9 /5
15 reviews
Read all reviews
Klook User
7 Jun
wonderful and amazing. my happy place, it gave me happy tears
Klook User
22 May
We absolutely adored this tour in Nagano. Kieran our guide (a fellow Australian) was super friendly and a great tour guide who gave us a glimpse into life in Nagano and Japan. Zenkoji Temple is super special - I highly recommend undertaking Kaiden Merguri (Traversing under the temple - mimicking Buddhas footsteps and emerging out of darkness into light) it was one of my highlights. Seeing the Snow Monkeys was very lovely too. There were so many and it was great observing them. Overall, Nagano was one of our favourite cities in Japan and this tour is a big influence on that choice.
2+
Jane ***
29 Apr
Our tour guide was informative, friendly and she managed our group well. I enjoyed hearing the history and stories of each place visited. it was great!
Klook User
11 Apr
I can’t remember our Guides name but she was from Uruguay and had moved in the past few years to just outside Nagano. she was incredibly knowledgable, friendly, and had great English. I would 10/10 recommend this tour in the first place, but if you get that guide you are bound to have an incredible day. loved every moment!
2+
SooChang ****
7 Apr
great trip it looks like fabulous trip we would love to go to Nagano next time we really want to see those monkeys
2+
Klook User
5 Apr
A great day out as advertised. Sijung was a great guide. The sake tasting was interesting and lunch was excellent. The walk to the monkeys was at our own pace and well worth it. It was enough time to enjoy the monkeys.
Klook User
30 Mar
Jens from Germany was our guide the for day. The itinerary was spot on to the information provided. Plenty of free time at Zenko-ji Temple, enjoyable sake tasting and lovely lunch. The walk into the monkey park was muddy and icey, so slippery. Bring good shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Had a great time watching the monkeys fool around before the walk back out to the bus. Back at Nagano Station at 5:10pm.
2+
Klook User
9 Mar
We had an absolutely fantastic time with our guide Joyce. She was incredibly knowledgeable and it really helped us fully enjoy all the sights but also gave us some valuable insight into the history of the city. The oyaki restaurant felt intimate and we enjoyed sitting by the fire watching them cook. The sake tasting was also fun, we learned so much and ended up purchasing several things and sent them to our accommodation in Japan for free which was really convenient. During and after the fire ceremony, the monk leading it was kind enough to spend time answering all our questions about the temple. When you visit the main temple, don't miss out on the underground passage! Lastly, our stay at the Shukubo was the perfect way to round out our experience. The hosts were so kind, and both meals were absolutely delicious! She also gave us a great recommendation for lunch inside the station, Meijitei which had amazing local soba noodles and Katsu. Perfect fuel for our snow monkey visit! 10/10 recommend!
1+

Nearby places to go

Jigokudani Monkey Park
 4K+ visitors

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Main Hall

Explore the Main Hall of Zenkoji, a functional temple that houses the enshrined images of the Amida Buddha. Witness the daily morning ritual conducted by the high priest or priestess and experience the spiritual ambiance of this sacred space.

Gardens of Zenkō-ji

Stroll through the tranquil Gardens of Zenkō-ji, a serene oasis that offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. Admire the beauty of the natural surroundings and immerse yourself in the contemplative atmosphere of the temple grounds.

Sanmon Gate

Marvel at the Sanmon Gate, an Important Cultural Property that houses wooden Buddhist statues and a plaque with hidden doves. Experience the rich history and architectural grandeur of this iconic gate.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Zenkoji Temple holds a sacred statue of the Amida-Nyorai buddha, gifted to Japan by a Korean king, symbolizing the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between the two countries. Explore the temple's intricate architecture and spiritual practices that have attracted millions of visitors over the centuries.

Local Cuisine

Indulge in the flavors of Nagano city, known for its delicious local dishes such as apple-based delicacies and traditional Japanese cuisine. Experience the unique culinary offerings that reflect the region's agricultural heritage and culinary traditions.

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